Government releases review of safe and caring schools policy

The provincial government today released an independent consultant’s evaluation and review of the Safe and Caring Schools Policy (2006).

A news release states the report will help inform upcoming consultations on potential changes to policy, procedure and legislation to address incidents of bullying among students.

“The release of this report, prepared by Goss Gilroy Inc., is the first step in this process,” said Education Minister Clyde Jackman.

“It identifies 29 considerations to take into account when revising the current Safe and Caring Schools Policy, all of which the provincial government will use to finalize an action plan designed to improve the existing policy.

“As part of that action plan, we will be consulting on some of the major points raised in the report, specifically with respect to what changes may be required to legislation.”

The provincial government commissioned the review late last year, noting the Safe and Caring Schools Policy was five years old, and it was therefore a good time to review what was working, what was not, and how it could be strengthened. The consultant’s report advises, for example, that the province should have a clear definition of bullying, and guidelines in place to ensure consistent reporting of incidents across all school jurisdictions — as well as standard protocols in place to respond to such behaviour. Jackman noted the upcoming consultations will focus on these issues, but will also go beyond what is recommended in the report.